Hot Sheets
THE CELLAR DOOR'S 'DRY JANUARY C'EST DES CONNERIES' HOTSHEET
Goodfellow Willamette Pinot
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, St-Joseph
Under 20 values from Cotes-du-Rhone, Spain, Oregon & South Africa
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, St-Joseph
Under 20 values from Cotes-du-Rhone, Spain, Oregon & South Africa
2020 GRACCIANO DELLA SETA
VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
VINO NOBILE DI MONTEPULCIANO
$24.99 BTL./$299.88 CASE
Vino Nobile di Montepulciano is the major wine from the popular and much visited southeastern Tuscan village of Montepulciano. The grape here is not, repeat not Montepulciano. That grape comes from Abruzzo further south on the Adriatic Coast. In this area, like the majority of Tuscany, the prime grape is Sangiovese (locally known as Prugnolo Gentile) and the organic producer Gracciano della Seta does very well indeed in highlighting the grape and where it is grown.
93% Prugnolo Gentile (the local clone of Sangiovese) and 7% Colorino, Canaiolo & Merlot. Aged primarily in larger barrels, this classic and sensuous Tuscan red captivates with violet, lush cherry, raspberry, sage and mineral. This wine is all about elegance and balance in the mouth with an intense depth of flavor, alluring spice and energy from the soils all beautifully frame the well-placed fruit. The overall quality from the entry is pleasantly echoed on the finish and depth and expansion of flavor linger on the palate. A terrific Tuscan wine that is undervalued and one that will drink and develop over the next 10-12 years.
93% Prugnolo Gentile (the local clone of Sangiovese) and 7% Colorino, Canaiolo & Merlot. Aged primarily in larger barrels, this classic and sensuous Tuscan red captivates with violet, lush cherry, raspberry, sage and mineral. This wine is all about elegance and balance in the mouth with an intense depth of flavor, alluring spice and energy from the soils all beautifully frame the well-placed fruit. The overall quality from the entry is pleasantly echoed on the finish and depth and expansion of flavor linger on the palate. A terrific Tuscan wine that is undervalued and one that will drink and develop over the next 10-12 years.
2020 GRACCIANO DELLA SETA
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE
ROSSO DI MONTEPULCIANO
$15.99 BTL./$191.88 CASE
The little brother to the previous offering, the unoaked 2022 Rosso is cheerful, high-spirited and friendly with savory red fruits dusty earth, and subtle spice scents. In the mouth, the cherry components continue along with a tangy, Tuscan md-palate and finish that is high-toned and food friendly. Have this with a pasta with Bolognese sauce, a slice of pepperoni pizza or Cioppino.
2021 CABASSE COTES-DU-RHONE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
$13.99 BTL./$167.88 CASE
January is the BEST month to buy and drink wine and this value Cotes-du-Rhone shows that the party isn’t going to stop…especially for fourteen bucks.
Raspberry, lavender, smoke and grenadine scents lead into a joyful provençal palate that is buoyant and full of smooth and savory characteristics with excellent fruit and white pepper on the beautifully lingering finish. The ultimate weeknight wine and so very versatile. Have this wine with grilled chicken, burgers, and a plate of charcuterie, pasta with a marinara or sugo or with a bunch of friends.
Raspberry, lavender, smoke and grenadine scents lead into a joyful provençal palate that is buoyant and full of smooth and savory characteristics with excellent fruit and white pepper on the beautifully lingering finish. The ultimate weeknight wine and so very versatile. Have this wine with grilled chicken, burgers, and a plate of charcuterie, pasta with a marinara or sugo or with a bunch of friends.
20201 TYEE ESTATE CHARDONNAY
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Situated near Corvallis, this longtime Oregon estate is now in its fifth generation of farmers led by Merilee Buchanan, daughter of Dave and Margy who initially planted grapes on the farm in 1974.
Long gone are the days of lean, green and mean Oregon Chardonnay, today we have ushered in a new era for those who want to make Chardonnay on a high quality level. Clean, vibrant aromas of apple, banana, mandarin, peach with underlying mineral, and smoke. Forward, mouth-filling, slightly exotic and surprisingly serious texture that builds nerve, energy and zestiness on the engaging, polished finish.
Long gone are the days of lean, green and mean Oregon Chardonnay, today we have ushered in a new era for those who want to make Chardonnay on a high quality level. Clean, vibrant aromas of apple, banana, mandarin, peach with underlying mineral, and smoke. Forward, mouth-filling, slightly exotic and surprisingly serious texture that builds nerve, energy and zestiness on the engaging, polished finish.
2021 DOMAINE KIENTZLER RIESLING
'LES FAILLES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
'LES FAILLES'
$26.99 BTL./$323.88 CASE
Alsace has been making a quiet but triumphant return to our lists, especially since a younger generation is committed to making elegant, focused and DRY wines. Alsace was a bit of a forgotten region within the wine realm mostly because of the difficulties deciphering whether the wine that you are about to uncork is dry or sweet. Nowadays it is quickly improving and we are excited to offer a dry version from a fantastic, well-established Domaine.
This fiercely dry Riesling comes from some of Kientzler’s top plots in Ribeauville and traverses the Domaine’s entry version and their Grands Crus. Loads of movement and energy with diamond-crystal stoniness, pine and freshly- squeezed lemon. The texture is exactly what the nose would lead you on with, sort of like drinking diamonds! Striking, nervy, very minerally and possessing finesse and detail throughout all carrying over to a jaunting, wiry and lengthy finish. Impressively crafted, this dry white wine will work with sausage, pork, halibut or mussels in very pure forms. Enjoy over the next decade.
This fiercely dry Riesling comes from some of Kientzler’s top plots in Ribeauville and traverses the Domaine’s entry version and their Grands Crus. Loads of movement and energy with diamond-crystal stoniness, pine and freshly- squeezed lemon. The texture is exactly what the nose would lead you on with, sort of like drinking diamonds! Striking, nervy, very minerally and possessing finesse and detail throughout all carrying over to a jaunting, wiry and lengthy finish. Impressively crafted, this dry white wine will work with sausage, pork, halibut or mussels in very pure forms. Enjoy over the next decade.
2020 FERRANDO CANAVESE ROSSO
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
The region of Carema and sub region of Canavese are part of Piedmont. In reality, they sit very far north of Barolo and Barbaresco on the border of the Valle D’Aosta about an hour north of Turin. Luigi Ferrando is the unmitigated leading producer of this region, producing some legendary Nebbiolo wines from Carema but also from the Canavese region that was created only in 1996. Relatively known for white wines, this area has come on quite impressively for its reds as well.
The Ferrando Canavese Rosso is Nebbiolo-based with decent dollop of Barbera. 2020 is ultra-successful as it the conditions provided excellent generosity, but also possesses plenty of crunchiness and zip due to the elevation and cool nights. Very engaging, savory scents of strawberry, mint, licorice and subtle undertones of smoke and herbs lead into a mouth-filling and vivacious texture that oozes deliciousness and a level of depth that is exactly why this producer is regarded as one of the finest in all of Piedmont. Wine with substance, dimension and owning a finish that takes off; there is a ton of goodness here for not a ridiculous amount of money. Enjoy this with beef/pork stuffed ravioli or a risotto done with cheese and mushrooms.
The Ferrando Canavese Rosso is Nebbiolo-based with decent dollop of Barbera. 2020 is ultra-successful as it the conditions provided excellent generosity, but also possesses plenty of crunchiness and zip due to the elevation and cool nights. Very engaging, savory scents of strawberry, mint, licorice and subtle undertones of smoke and herbs lead into a mouth-filling and vivacious texture that oozes deliciousness and a level of depth that is exactly why this producer is regarded as one of the finest in all of Piedmont. Wine with substance, dimension and owning a finish that takes off; there is a ton of goodness here for not a ridiculous amount of money. Enjoy this with beef/pork stuffed ravioli or a risotto done with cheese and mushrooms.
2020 EDGEBASTON 'PEPPER POT' RED
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
$14.99 BTL./$179.88 CASE
Instead of grappling with wines from South Africa we present one that falls into the category of recreationally satisfying and of course, scrumptious.
Edgebastion’s Pepper Pot Red Blend is a delicious, hearty red blend from the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions that is chock full of flavor and South African individuality. 60% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 6% Mourvedre, and 3% Tannat with ample character that upholds the wine's moniker of pepper pot. Violet, plum, smoke, freshly ground white pepper herbs and licorice dominate the nose while in the mouth, full, spicy, smooth-flowing flavors take hold. Very drinkable now and over the next 2-3 years with grilled anything.
Edgebastion’s Pepper Pot Red Blend is a delicious, hearty red blend from the Stellenbosch and Paarl regions that is chock full of flavor and South African individuality. 60% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 6% Mourvedre, and 3% Tannat with ample character that upholds the wine's moniker of pepper pot. Violet, plum, smoke, freshly ground white pepper herbs and licorice dominate the nose while in the mouth, full, spicy, smooth-flowing flavors take hold. Very drinkable now and over the next 2-3 years with grilled anything.
2022 ADEGA ALGUIERA
RIBERA SACRA MENCIA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
RIBERA SACRA MENCIA
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
When it comes to Ribera Sacra and its red wines, this is a No Tempraniilo, No Garnacha and No BS zone. Famous for Bierzo, the Mencia grape, which traces its roots to the Portuguese grape of Jaen, also prevails in this eastern section of Galicia and thrives within these soils and terraced slopes.
This red is the reference point of this estate and is obscenely delicious. Laced with lively, inviting tones of marionberry, pepper and soft roasted herbs. They all seem to build as the wine opens in the glass and entice you to take a sip, which is pristine, medium-bodied and forward. It also shows wonderful intensity from the use of low-yielding fruit, but is also very clean and polished on the finish. We think you will say, Ay! Ay! Ay! after the first sip and maybe throw in a few colorful metaphors when paired with a bevvy of pork dishes, especially Serrano ham.
This red is the reference point of this estate and is obscenely delicious. Laced with lively, inviting tones of marionberry, pepper and soft roasted herbs. They all seem to build as the wine opens in the glass and entice you to take a sip, which is pristine, medium-bodied and forward. It also shows wonderful intensity from the use of low-yielding fruit, but is also very clean and polished on the finish. We think you will say, Ay! Ay! Ay! after the first sip and maybe throw in a few colorful metaphors when paired with a bevvy of pork dishes, especially Serrano ham.
2021 GOODFELLOW PINOT NOIR
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
WILLAMETTE VALLEY
$23.99 BTL./$287.88 CASE
As we look towards the future and with the ever-rising costs of Pinot Noir grapes, one has to wonder just how long we are going to continue to see value-oriented wines such as this.
Blended from some of Marcus Goodfellow’s top sources - Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, Durant in the Dundee Hills and others, the 2021 is an appealing, extremely well crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass and enhanced by intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth. The smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 8-10 years with a range of dishes from grilled salmon to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl.
Blended from some of Marcus Goodfellow’s top sources - Whistling Ridge Vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge district, Durant in the Dundee Hills and others, the 2021 is an appealing, extremely well crafted Pinot that performs mightily but never overacts. Stylish red and blackcurrant fruit permeates from the glass and enhanced by intertwined cinnamon, violet and red earth. The smooth, velvet-laden mouth filling texture that seduces lingers and calls you back for another glass. Support the home team, drink this pinot now over the next 8-10 years with a range of dishes from grilled salmon to lamb shanks to pork roast and smoked fowl.
2020 JL CHAVE SELECTIONS
SAINT-JOSEPH 'OFFERUS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
SAINT-JOSEPH 'OFFERUS
$34.99 BTL./$419.88 CASE
93 POINTS – The Wine Spectator & Vinous…When it comes to Syrah, the name Chave translates to godlike genius! Well, actually, it really doesn’t but for those who admire the greatest of the greats, this family dynasty which goes back to 1481 has been entrenched as standard bearers and in my vision, the security guards to all that is great about the Northern Rhone and Syrah in general. The current leader of the family Domaine is Jean-Louis Chave who is 16th generation. In 1995, he started a negociants business to augment the ultra-level Domaine Chave Hermitage and St-Joseph wines.
2020 was another successful vintage for the Northern Rhone. The vineyards used for Offerus are located in two distinct St. Joseph areas. The communities of Mauves, Tournon, and St. Jean de Muzols yield over 80% of the blend and are owned by Jean-Louis. Purely expressed, this wine combines aromatic finesse with excellent concentration but always stays true to its French roots. Forward and pretty perfume of smoke, black cherries, and white pepper. In the mouth, it is very clean, and silky with an abundance of red and blackberry aspects, high-tones around the edges, and spreading out over the impressively formed finish. The 2020 is just a plain delicious bottle of Syrah meant for the table, perfect with everything from duck, to leaner steaks like sirloin or the filet, to lamb chops. Add in a few olives, and now you are really talking. It will also age well so drink it through 2031.
2020 was another successful vintage for the Northern Rhone. The vineyards used for Offerus are located in two distinct St. Joseph areas. The communities of Mauves, Tournon, and St. Jean de Muzols yield over 80% of the blend and are owned by Jean-Louis. Purely expressed, this wine combines aromatic finesse with excellent concentration but always stays true to its French roots. Forward and pretty perfume of smoke, black cherries, and white pepper. In the mouth, it is very clean, and silky with an abundance of red and blackberry aspects, high-tones around the edges, and spreading out over the impressively formed finish. The 2020 is just a plain delicious bottle of Syrah meant for the table, perfect with everything from duck, to leaner steaks like sirloin or the filet, to lamb chops. Add in a few olives, and now you are really talking. It will also age well so drink it through 2031.
